The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for describing Diwali as 'khushiyon ka Eid' (Eid of happiness), accusing the Congress of appeasement politics and hurting Hindu sentiments. Congress leader Pawan Khera defended Kharge, stating that 'Eid' literally means 'festival'.
Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing on August 25 on the boundary issue and reached an eight-point consensus.
'It seems the prime minister may not be given the real picture about the country's space sector and ISRO. So, we are having the seminar to bring the issues to his notice.'
The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, conducted using ballot papers, have reignited the debate over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) versus ballot papers ahead of the 2027 UP assembly polls. While the BJP maintained its lead, the Samajwadi Party made significant gains, prompting renewed calls for ballot paper usage in future elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized that both nations must show sensitivity to each other's core issues and be guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. Modi highlighted the critical importance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control for the development of India-China relations, while also addressing concerns regarding Taiwan and Tibet.
The 18th BRICS Summit got underway in New Delhi with leaders of partner countries gathering in the capital to discuss the changing global economic and geopolitical landscape.
SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in her upcoming memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love," states that her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, considered the decision to impose the Emergency a mistake and eventually came to feel the same. Gandhi also suggests that keeping Sanjay Gandhi "in check" could have prevented much of the subsequent damage. She reveals family divisions over the decision, with Rajiv Gandhi opposing it and Sanjay Gandhi pushing for it. Sonia Gandhi further notes that Indira Gandhi later publicly expressed regret for the excesses during that period.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the Extramural Research Grant Policy of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) at the WAADS meeting in New Delhi. This policy aims to promote advanced research in doping detection and prevention, reinforcing India's commitment to clean sports ahead of major international events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics.
One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.
The INDIA bloc's planned 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been postponed to October 31 due to Delhi's weather conditions.
Defence officials confirmed on Thursday that all serving Agniveers will be absorbed as regular soldiers after six years of service, provided they meet specific criteria. This clarification follows the government's announcement of a two-year extension for Agniveers completing their four-year tenure, allowing for subsequent permanent recruitment. The move effectively ensures a pathway for all Agniveers to join the regular cadre, addressing previous concerns about the 75% who were not initially retained.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray announced he deleted a documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani from his social media, citing a 'request' from the Mumbai Police Commissioner. This move follows legal notices issued to 24 'X' account holders who shared the same documentary. Thackeray also alleged that the Maharashtra government is handing over forest land to industrialist friends and plans to address a rally on this issue.
Ravi Shastri lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a leading role in international diplomacy during the ongoing BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The Congress party has strongly criticised the Modi government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, alleging it is a result of US pressure to benefit American card companies. The party also linked this move to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues, coining the term "Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement." The government, however, clarified that consumers will not bear the charge, which applies only to merchants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.
Gold prices in India are projected to reach Rs 1.60-1.68 lakh per 10 grams over the next 6-12 months, driven by sustained investment demand, central-bank purchases, and global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL).
An 81-year-old man, Asgarali Vohra, who claims to be a schoolmate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has found relief in a long-standing land dispute. After Vohra met PM Modi to appeal for a CBI probe, a firm linked to a BJP MLA, Seven Eleven Construction, backed down, surrendering its construction permit and withdrawing a police complaint against Vohra. The dispute involved a prime plot in Palghar district that Vohra bought in 1989, which he alleged was encroached upon by two firms.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata was allegedly attacked by BJP supporters, leading to clashes and accusations of law and order failure. Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, challenging the BJP and criticising police inaction, while the BJP denied the allegations, claiming provocation by TMC supporters. An investigation is underway.
The second edition of the 'Adi Kailash High Altitude Ultra Marathon' has begun in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, attracting over 1,100 participants from 26 states across various challenging races, including 70 km and 42 km events.
The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of operating under the influence of the Modi government and threatening voting rights. Led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, the event saw leaders demand Kumar's removal, the repeal of the 2023 law governing election commissioner appointments, and an end to the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging intentional deletion of around 14 crore voters.
Glimpses of the Indian Air Force's spectacular aerial display over the Ganga in Varanasi.
The Indian government has approved a Rs 2,814 crore capital expenditure support scheme to promote domestic processing of critical minerals like lithium and nickel. This five-year scheme, running until 2030-31, aims to reduce import dependence, develop value chains, and enhance India's self-reliance in essential materials for clean energy and modern technologies. It includes a 30% capital subsidy for setting up processing plants.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged people to join the opposition INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' march on November 1, aimed at saving democracy and protecting the Constitution. He assured participants not to fear police action. Other Congress leaders also highlighted alleged electoral irregularities and announced a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
'In 2013-2014, Modi was asking for regime change. In fact, the words he used were, they should be pulled out and thrown away; ughadke phekna hai. That is part of democracy.'
India's Defence Ministry has sealed contracts worth Rs 53,866 crore with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for eight next-generation warships for the Indian Navy. These indigenously designed corvettes will bolster India's combat prowess in the Indian Ocean and support the 'Make-in-India' initiative, creating significant employment opportunities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping notably skipped a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BRICS leaders and other dignitaries, with sources suggesting he returned to his hotel to rest. Meanwhile, a grand cultural performance, 'BRICS Symphony - One Rhythm, Many Cultures', featuring artistes from member countries, was a highlight of the evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women's cricket team for their Asia Cup victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting their confidence and spirit, and expressing hope that their triumph will inspire young people across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Congress party has accused the Modi government of succumbing to US pressure by introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 for merchants. The party alleges this move aims to benefit US card companies and links it to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues. The government, however, clarifies that consumers will not be charged.
The BJP has announced a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign, starting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, September 17, to commemorate his 25 years in public life. The initiative includes various programmes like 'Seva Diwas', 'Ashirwad Ka Diya', 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra', youth yatras, and innovation challenges, all aimed at public participation and promoting the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 18th BRICS summit in Bharat Mandapam. The leaders were photographed against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's iconic Ramanathaswamy temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Modi explained the temple's importance to President Xi, highlighting its unique status as a Char Dham and Jyotirlinga shrine, and its historical and religious significance linked to Lord Ram.
Vummidi Ethiraj, the renowned jeweller instrumental in crafting India's historic 'sengol' sceptre, has passed away at the age of 99. His demise has drawn condolences from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all acknowledging his significant contribution to India's civilisational heritage through his craftsmanship.
The Indian government has announced a significant overhaul of the Agnipath scheme, offering all Agniveers an additional two-year extension period and a subsequent pathway to permanent recruitment in the armed forces, subject to eligibility and consent.
The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of electoral malpractice. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided from a chair historically used by Jawaharlal Nehru, a detail highlighted by Congress. Opposition leaders demanded Kumar's removal, calling the event a "political weapon."
'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale extended an invitation to Abhijeet Dipke to join his Republican Party of India-Athawale.
'Eastern Ladakh set the relationship back by about 10 steps. So far, especially since Galwan, we may have taken just 4 steps forward.'
